Morocco Earthquake and Libya Flooding Disasters – How to Help
On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake affected 300,000 people in and near Marrakech and the rural areas in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Just two days later, catastrophic flooding from Storm Daniel displaced tens of thousands in northeastern Libya, most notably the cities of Benghazi, Al Bayda and Al-Marj, as well as Soussa and Derna. In both countries, the need for food, medical care, shelter and other necessities remains critical.
HOW TO HELP
Experts say the best way to provide help to those in need is to donate to aid organizations that already have operations on the ground. Listed below are resources for making a financial donation. Monetary donations are preferred as this is the quickest way to get the essential funds to the disaster sites. Listed below are resources for making a financial donation:
MAKING A FINANCIAL DONATION
To Morocco: Send aid through the following organizations:
To Libya: Conflict in Libya weakens the ability of international aid organizations to provide aid in the country. The following aid organizations are accepting donations.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross. This organization has long been active in Libya. Give to the Red Cross here.
- International Medical Corps: Accepts donations on a one-time or recurring basis. Funds assist the Corps in providing Libyans with shelter, water, mobile health services, sanitation, and other basic needs. https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/updates/we-are-responding-flooding-in-libya/
- UNICEF’s Libya Appeal: The organization’s humanitarian Action for Children appeal helps support the agency’s work as it provides conflict-and disaster-affected children with access to water, sanitation, nutrition, education, health and protection services. https://www.unicef.org/appeals/libya
CONTACTING LOVED ONES
Those searching for loved ones impacted by the disasters can find help in the following ways:
- If you are looking for a U.S. citizen affected by these disasters, please contact the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.
- If you are looking for a non-U.S. citizen family member affected by the disaster, the Red Cross may be able to help. Please complete the International Reconnecting Families Form at https://www.redcross.org/contact-us/international-reconnecting-families-inquiry-form.h
AVOIDING SCAMS
To help individuals avoid scams and frauds after disasters, please note the following advice from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (CT DCP):
- Do your research: Before donating, use online resources like the Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance, Guidestar, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch, which all provide information about non-profit organizations and charities.
- Be cautious of “look alike” websites: Websites will sometimes try and impersonate legitimate charities. Verify the URL in your browser before giving any money online. These fraudulent websites will often ask for personal financial information and may download harmful malware onto your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook or other social media sites are legitimate.
- Ask questions: Ask how your donation will be used. and ask the solicitor to be specific. If the answer is vague, be wary.
- Know who you are talking to: If you receive an email or text message asking for a donation, confirm that the request is from the charity, and not an imposter, by contacting the charity or visiting its website. A legitimate charity will always give you time to verify its identity and do your research.
- Don’t be pressured: Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for payment in cash, or insists on sending someone to pick up your donation.
- Avoid paying in an untraceable form of payment: Donate by check or credit card, not by wire transfer or cash.
- Never give out personal information: Never give out information such as your social security number or bank account numbers over the phone or internet, or to an untrusted source.
For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Department of Consumer Protection by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov or visit www.ct.gov/DCP/complaints.
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SOURCES: The International Committee of the Red Cross, CT Department of Consumer Protection, Global Giving, The Red Cross and the Red Crescent, World Central Kitchen, Doctors Without Borders, CARE, UNICEF, the U.S. Department of State
PREPARED BY: 211/jm
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: September2023
